FAVIGNANA Gin 41%
39.00 €
THIBAUT FUSTEL, FOUNDER OF ISOLA DI FAVIGNANA
Thibaut Fustel
"A local from the island approached me and, with a wave of his hand, explained how proud he is of his island and that we contribute to it, at our own scale."
12 April 2024
The “recipe” for their London Dry gin, a spirit that proudly reflects its Italian roots, combines 12 aromatic plants, most of which are handpicked on the island of Favignana.
How did the idea of ISOLA DI FAVIGNANA come about?
To be born and live on a magnetic rock of 19 km2, lost off the coast of Sicily, is truly a source of inspiration! Our primary goal was to uncover this wild land and preserve its unique botanical heritage. It's also a bold way to prove to our parents that one can make a living on a tiny island and develop a project of international scale.
What makes ISOLA DI FAVIGNANA an Avant-Gardist?
Favignana is primarily about aromatic herbs that we cultivate or harvest directly on the island, much like a winemaker who grows their own grapes on their own plots. Highlighting a terroir, Sicilian culture, historical craftsmanship, and the lifestyle of Favignana is undeniably avant-garde and modern.
What were you doing before? What led you to delve into the spirits industry?
Like all Favignanese, I was destined to stay on my native island and become a fisherman or waiter. I decided to leave in order to return with a deeper appreciation. After working several years abroad in the hospitality industry alongside renowned chefs, I found that spirits and working the land provided the perfect avenueto to express my love for Favignana, its unique terroir, rich culture, and aromatic herbs.
Tell us about your first memory of tasting gin.
Early. Too early. As a child at a wedding, I downed a glass what I thought was water, only to find out it wasn't...
What is your favourite cocktail, and ideal place to enjoy it?
There's nothing, in my opinion, that can beat a well-balanced Negroni. I love enjoying it with friends during aperitivo, as Italian tradition dictates, at Cibo Chiacchiere e Vino, with our feet in the water, watching the sun set over the island of Marettimo, off the coast of Favignana.
What is the most heartwarming feedback you have received about ISOLA DI FAVIGNANA from a customer?
When, on my tricycle, Piaggio APE, a native of the island, grabs my attention and, with a hand gesture, explains to me how proud he is of his island and how we contribute to it, in our own way.
